he wanted to be buried with dan's siblings and family in hawaii. and he was. senator akaka served as choir director of the hawaiian christian's mother church where his brother was minister. his brother was minister there for some 17 years. he is still a member of that church, senator akaka is. he's blessed with a wonderful family as well as a rewarding career. he and his wife millie have 5 children, 15 grandchildren. he has served his state with distinction and served not only his constituents, the state of hawaii, but our country with distinction. he enjoyed a long and productive career and his presence in the united states senate will be missed. i offer congratulations to senator akaka on his dedicated military and public service and wish him and millie happiness in their retirement. mr. mcconnell: mr. president? the presiding officer: the republican leader. mr. mcconnell: with the fiscal cliff fast approaching, i feel the need to point out something this morning that's perfectly obvious to most americans but which democrats in washington still don't seem to